Question

Trypanosoma evansi causes fatal disease 'surra' in horses, the vector is

• A. Glossina fly
• B. Phlebotomus fly
• C. Triatoma
• D. Tabanus fly

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Tabanus fly

Surra is a disease of vertebrate animals. The disease is caused by protozoa Trypanosoma evansi, causing fever, weakness and lethargy which lead to weight loss and anemia. Transferred by species of Tabanus flies, Trypanosoma evansi development does not take place in the actual vector. In order for the transmission to be successful, trypanosomes need to survive in the gut of the flies and be regurgitated during subsequent feeding. Thus, the correct answer is option D.